California's "Peeping Tom" Laws: *Penal Code 647(i) PC -- Peeking While Loitering (Unlawful Peeking) *Penal Code 647(j) PC -- Invasion of Privacy
Penalties for Violation of Penal Code 647 (i) or (j)
Peeking while loitering and invasion of privacy both fall under the general umbrella of California disorderly conduct. As such, they are misdemeanors, punishable by:
up to six (6) months in county jail, and/or
a fine of up to $1,000.
However, a second or subsequent violation of Penal Code 647(j) PC... or any invasion of the privacy of a minor... is punishable by:
up to one (1) year in county jail, and/or
a fine of up to $2,000.
Peepin Tom laws generally make it a crime to view and/or photograph or film a person without his or her consent. Peeping Tom statutes differ from state to state, but they usually require: That the victim did not realize he or she was being viewed; That the victim was fully or partially naked
A peeping Tom is making trips to the restroom uncomfortable and frightening for female students at UC Riverside. University police put out an alert warning students about a man using his cellphone to peer under stalls and record his victims. So far, there have been three incidents near Olmstead Theater and the humanities building. Some students wonder if the peeper is possibly a rude prankster. "That's beyond a prank...that's something disgusting," It's also against the law and a felony to record someone using the restroom without their knowledge. The release did not give much as far as a suspect description, but in all three cases it was a man carrying a Samsung or Microsoft cellphone with no case. He was also wearing black slip-on Lacoste shoes. It's summer session at UCR, and the campus is far less crowded, but female students who are there are heeding the warning to partner up when going to the bathrooms. University police are investigating and asking students to report any suspicious activity they see.